Ink set for ink-jet recording, ink for ink-jet recording and method for forming image

ABSTRACT

An ink set for ink-jet recording is provided defined by an evaluation indicator approximately corresponding to an evaluation sensed by human eyes without relying on a color difference (ΔE) or an optical density difference (ΔOD) at the time of evaluating a long-term storage stability of the ink set for ink-jet recording. In the ink set for ink-jet recording which contains a yellow ink, a magenta ink and a cyan ink, values of hue angle change (Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests, of print regions corresponding to respective inks formed on glossy paper by using the yellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink are not more than about 3° for the yellow ink, not more than about 2° for the magenta ink, and not more than about 6° for the cyan ink.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2006-38761, filed Feb. 16, 2006, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, long-term storage stability has become an importantproperty required for an image formed by using an ink-jet recordingsystem.

Widely recognized causes of deteriorating image quality of an ink-jetimage in long-term storage include exposure of the image to sunlight andto illuminating lamps or the like. In order to improve the long-termstorage stability of the ink-jet image, intensive studies have been madefor improving lightfastness of the image. Lightfastness can be evaluatedusing a color difference (ΔE), and an optical density difference (ΔOD)in an L*a*b* calorimetric system (colorimetric system standardized byCommission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) in 1976, which is definedin JIS Z8729 in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)) between beforeand after exposure tests to light (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,702,882 and6,866,380).

However, even when the color difference (ΔE) values are the same, theextent of deterioration of ink-jet images appear to be different tohuman eyes, depending on respective hue ranges of yellow, magenta andcyan. This is because the human eyes are highly sensitive to a change ofhue angles. That is, when the hue angles are changed, the human eyesperceive a change of colors. Further, since the optical densitydifference (ΔOD) is not an indicator of a change of color tones like thehue angle, the sensitivity of the human eyes against the optical densitydifference (ΔOD) is lower than that against a value of hue angle change(Δh). Since an ink set for ink-jet recording defined by the colordifference (ΔE) or the density difference (ΔOD) does not correspond toan evaluation made by the human eyes, neither satisfactorily showslong-term storage stability and thus long-term storage stability has notbeen adequately defined.

The optical density (OD value) of each of the three primary colors(yellow, magenta and cyan) and black can be measured. When the opticaldensity (OD value) of a medium color (for example, flesh color)represented by a subtractive color mixing method using the three primarycolors is measured, the value obtained does not faithfully reflect thecolor density of the medium color itself (showing as respective opticaldensities of colors decomposed to yellow, magenta and cyan, or showingas the optical density of the color changed into mono-color).

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention provide an ink set for ink-jet recordingdefined by an evaluation indicator approximately corresponding to anevaluation sensed by human eyes without relying on a color difference(ΔE) or an optical density difference (ΔOD) at the time of evaluating along-term storage stability of the ink set for ink-jet recording.Further aspects provide respective inks of yellow, magenta and cyanappropriate for the ink set. Other aspects provide a method for formingan image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General Overview

It was discovered that, in place of the color difference (ΔE) or theoptical density difference (ΔOD) measurements, the value of hue anglechange (Δh) between before and after lightfastness tests on print regionformed on glossy paper can be used to improve lightfastness of an imageformed by using ink-jet recording. It was further discovered thatdeterioration of a color balance caused by temporal fading of colors canbe suppressed.

An ink set is provided for ink-jet recording, which contains a yellowink, a magenta ink and a cyan ink. The values of hue angle change (Δh),between before and after lightfastness tests, of print regionscorresponding to respective inks formed on glossy paper with the yellowink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink are not more than about 3° for theyellow ink, not more than about 2° for the magenta ink, and not morethan about 6° for the cyan ink.

Further aspects of the invention provide the appropriate yellow ink,magenta ink and cyan ink for the ink set for ink-jet recording.

A yellow ink is provided for ink-jet recording, which contains a yellowcoloring agent, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent. The yellowcoloring agent contains C. I. Direct Yellow 132 or any other suitableyellow dye or combination thereof in an amount of at least about 70 wt %based on the total weight of the yellow coloring agent. The total amountof the yellow coloring agent is, in the range from about 1 wt % to about4 wt %, based on the total weight of the yellow ink. The value of hueangle change (Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests, of aprint region corresponding to the yellow ink formed on glossy paper isnot more than about 3°.

A magenta ink is provided for ink-jet recording, which contains amagenta coloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. Themagenta coloring agent contains any suitable magenta dye or combinationof magenta dyes such as a magenta dye represented by the followinggeneral formula (1) in an amount, of at least about 70 wt % based on thetotal weight of the magenta coloring agent:

in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup or an optionally substituted aryl group, R₂ represents a hydrogenatom, a halogen atom or a cyano group, R₃ represents a hydrogen atom, anoptionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl groupor an optionally substituted heterocyclic group, R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substitutedheterocyclic group, an optionally substituted sulfonyl group or anoptionally substituted acyl group, where R₄ and R₅ do not simultaneouslyrepresent a hydrogen atom, R₆ and R₇ do not simultaneously represent ahydrogen atom, and A₁ and A₂ either simultaneously represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom, or differently represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom or a nitrogen atom from each other.The total amount of the magenta coloring agent is in the range fromabout 1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on the total weight of the magentaink. The value of hue angle change (Δh), between before and after thelightfastness tests, of a print region corresponding to the magenta inkformed on glossary paper is not more than about 20.

A cyan ink is provided for ink-jet recording, which contains a cyancoloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. The cyancoloring agent contains any suitable cyan dye or combination of cyandyes such as a cyan dye represented by the following general formula (2)in an amount of at least about 70 wt % based on the total weight of thecyan coloring agent:

in which Pc(Cu) represents a copper phthalocyanine nucleus representedby the following general formula (3):

R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ each independently represent a substituent selectedfrom —SO₂—R_(a), —SO₂NR_(b)R_(c) and —CO₂—R_(a), where R₈, R₉, R₁₀ andR₁₁ do not simultaneously represent the same substituent, at least oneof R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ represents a substituent comprising an ionichydrophilic group, and at least one of R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is present ineach of four benzene rings A, B, C and D of a copper phthalocyaninenucleus represented by the general formula (3), R_(a) represents asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, R_(b) represents a hydrogenatom or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, R_(c) represents asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, k represents a number whichsatisfies an inequality of 0<k<8, l represents a number which satisfiesan inequality of 0<l<8, m represents a number which satisfies aninequality of 0≦m<8, n represents a number which satisfies an inequalityof 0≦n<8, where k, l, m and n each independently represent a numberwhich satisfies an inequality of 4≦k+l+m+n≦8. The cyan coloring agent isin the range from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the total weightof the cyan ink. The value of hue angle change (Δh), between before andafter the lightfastness tests, of a print region corresponding to thecyan ink formed on glossary paper is not more than about 6°.

Further aspects of the invention include a method for forming an imageby applying an ink on glossy paper using the above-described ink set forink-jet recording with an ink-jet recording method, wherein, at the timeof forming print regions corresponding to respective inks on glossypaper by using the yellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink, valuesof hue angle change (Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests,of the print regions are allowed to be not more than about 3° with theyellow ink, not more than about 2° with the magenta ink and not morethan about 6° with the cyan ink.

Illustrative Aspects of the Invention

An ink set for ink-jet recording according to aspects of the presentinvention contains a yellow ink, a magenta ink and a cyan ink. The inkset for ink-jet recording according to aspects of the present inventionis configured such that values of hue angle change (Δh), between beforeand after lightfastness tests, of print regions corresponding torespective inks formed on the glossy paper by using the yellow ink, themagenta ink and the cyan ink are allowed to be not more than about 3°for the yellow ink, not more than about 2° for the magenta ink, and notmore than about 6° for the cyan ink. The values of hue angle change (Δh)for the inks are adjusted for the reasons described below.

Human eyes have high recognition sensitivity particularly to a fleshcolor and can recognize even a small change of hue. Magenta is animportant color for expressing a color of human skin, and when a valueof hue angle change (Δh) is over about 2°, the change of hue can berecognized with human eyes. Further, yellow is also an important colorfor expressing the color of human skin. Although a visual recognitionproperty thereof with the human eyes is slightly lower than that ofmagenta, when the value of hue angle change (Δh) is over about 3°, thechange of hue can be recognized with human eyes. Still further, cyan isan important color for expressing a blue sky, green and the like.Although a visual recognition property thereof with the human eyes islower than those of magenta and yellow, when the value of hue anglechange (Δh) is over about 6°, the change of hue can be recognized withhuman eyes.

According to aspects of the invention, yellow is a color in whichlightness (L*) is in the range from about 70 to about 100, chroma (C*)is in the range from about 55 to about 90, and hue angle (h) is in therange from about 70° to about 140° in the L*a*b* colorimetric system(standardized by the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) in1976, which is also defined in JIS Z 8729 of Japanese IndustrialStandards (JIS)). A yellow ink is an ink which can exhibit a yellowcolor by itself. Further, magenta is a color, in a same manner as in theabove, in which lightness (L*) is in the range from about 40 to about70, chroma (C*) is in the range from about 60 to about 100, and hueangle (h) is in the range from about 320° to about 360° or from about 0°to about 100. A magenta ink is an ink which can exhibit a magenta colorby itself. Still further, cyan is a color, in a same manner as in theabove, in which lightness (L*) is in the range from about 50 to about85, chroma (C*) is in the range from about 40 to about 80, and hue angle(h) is in the range from about 215° to about 255°. A cyan ink is an inkwhich can exhibit a cyan color by itself. Even still further, the colorof human skin, namely a flesh, color, is a color (color of averageJapanese skin) in which lightness (L*) is in the range from about 35 toabout 80, chroma (C*) is in the range from about 15 to about 30, and hueangle (h) is in the range from about 10° to about 55° in the L*a*b*colorimetric system.

Perceptive chromaticity indices (a* and b*; hereinafter, referred to a*,and b*, respectively) necessary for obtaining L*, h and C* are measuredby using, for example, a spectrophotometer, and then C* and h may beobtained by using the resultant measurements from the equations (1) and(2) described below.

C*=[(a*)²+(b*)²]^(1/2)  Equation (1):

in the case of a*≧0 and b*≧0: h=tan⁻¹(b*/a*)

in the case of a*≧0 and b*<0: h=360+tan⁻¹(b*/a*)

in the case of a*<0: h=180+tan⁻¹(b*/a*)  Equations (2):

According to aspects of the invention, glossy paper refers to a basepaper having a coated layer for surface smoothness. Specific examplesthereof include, but are not limited to, photographic glossy paperBP60GLA (manufactured by Brother Industries, Ltd.); ink-jet printerpaper “ultra-glossy paper for extremely fine photo output” (manufacturedby Kokuyo Co., Ltd.); PhotolikeQP <Photo Jet Paper> series, thick glossypaper (manufactured by Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.); KASSAI® series,photo finish Pro, photo finish Advance, and Fuji Film high-qualityglossy paper (manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.); and the like.

According to aspects of the invention, the lightfastness test refers toa test to be executed under the condition that light radiated from axenon lamp is irradiated for 100 hours at a room temperature of 25° C.,a humidity of 50% RH with an irradiation intensity of 93 klux. Examplesof lightfastness testing machines to be employed for the test include ahigh-energy xenon weather-meter SC750-WN (manufactured by Suga TestInstruments Co., Ltd.).

The yellow ink for use in the ink set for ink-jet recording according toaspects of the invention contains a yellow coloring agent, water and awater-soluble organic solvent. The yellow coloring agent contains a dyeexcellent in lightfastness, such as, C. I. Direct Yellow 132. The yellowink containing this dye shows a small value of hue angle change (Δh)between before and after the lightfastness tests. The yellow coloringagent may further contain other dyes such as C. I. Direct Yellow 142 andthe like.

When the amount of C. I. Direct Yellow 132 in the yellow coloring agentis unduly low, lightfastness is deteriorated. A suitable amount of C.I.Direct Yellow 132 is at least about 70 wt % based on the total weight ofthe yellow coloring agent, and may be at least about 80 wt % based onthe total weight of the yellow coloring agent.

Further, the total amount of the yellow coloring agent is determineddepending on ink performances and required characteristics. When theamount of coloring agent is unduly small, a color reproduction rangebecomes narrow, while when the amount is unduly large, there is a fearof generating an ejection failure caused by precipitation of a componentdue to moisture evaporation. A suitable range of yellow coloring agentis from about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on the total weight of theyellow ink.

The magenta ink for use in the ink set for ink-jet recording accordingto aspects of the invention contains a magenta coloring agent, water anda water-soluble organic solvent. The magenta coloring agent contains adye excellent in lightfastness, such as a magenta dye represented by theabove-described general formula (1). The magenta ink containing this dyeshows a small value of hue angle change (Δh) between before and afterthe lightfastness tests. The magenta coloring agent may further containother dyes such as C. I. Acid Red 52 and the like.

When the amount of the magenta dye represented by the general formula(1) in the magenta coloring agent is unduly low, lightfastness isdeteriorated. A suitable amount of the magenta coloring dye is at leastabout 70 wt % based on the total weight of the magenta coloring agent,and may be at least about 80 wt % based on the total weight of themagenta coloring agent.

The total amount of the magenta coloring agent is determined dependingon ink performances and required characteristics. When the total amountof magenta coloring agent is unduly small, a color reproduction rangebecomes narrow, while when the total amount is unduly large, there is afear of generating an ejection failure caused by precipitation of acomponent due to moisture evaporation. A suitable range of magentacoloring agent is from about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on the totalweight of the magenta ink.

The cyan ink for use in the ink set for ink-jet recording according toaspects of the invention contains a cyan coloring agent, water and awater-soluble organic solvent. The cyan coloring agent contains a dyeexcellent in lightfastness, such as a cyan dye represented by theabove-described general formula (2). The cyan ink containing this dyeshows a small value of hue angle change (Δh) between before and afterthe lightfastness tests. The cyan coloring agent may further containother dyes such as C. I. Direct Blue 199 and the like.

When the amount of the cyan dye represented by the general formula (2)in the cyan coloring agent is unduly low, lightfastness is deteriorated.A suitable amount of the cyan coloring dye is at least about 70 wt %based on the total weight of the cyan coloring dye, and may be at leastabout 80 wt % based on the total weight of the cyan coloring dye.

The total amount of the cyan coloring agent is determined depending onink performances and required characteristics. When the total amount ofthe cyan coloring agent is unduly small, a color reproduction rangebecomes narrow, while when the total amount is unduly large, there is afear of generating an ejection failure caused by precipitation of acomponent due to moisture evaporation. A suitable range of the cyancoloring agent is from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the totalweight of the cyan ink.

Providing the ink set for ink-jet recording with black ink will reducecosts of black text print. Any suitable pigment type or dye type blackink may be used in the ink set for ink-jet recording.

Next, substituents R₁ to R₇, and A₁ and A₂ in the magenta dyesrepresented by the general formula (1) will be described.

R₁ represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group oran optionally substituted aryl group. R₂ represents a hydrogen atom, ahalogen atom or a cyano group. R₃ represents a hydrogen atom, anoptionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl groupor an optionally substituted heterocyclic group. R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substitutedheterocyclic group, an optionally substituted sulfonyl group or anoptionally substituted acyl group. However, R₄ and R₅ do notsimultaneously represent a hydrogen atom, R₆ and R₇ do notsimultaneously represent a hydrogen atom. A₁ and A₂ eithersimultaneously represent an optionally substituted carbon atom, ordifferently represent an optionally substituted carbon atom or anitrogen atom from each other.

Suitable halogen atoms include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, abromine atom and the like.

Suitable alkyl groups may have from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples ofsubstituents include, but are not limited to, a hydroxyl group, alkoxygroups (a methoxy group, an ethoxy group and the like), a cyano group,halogen atoms (a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and thelike), and ionic hydrophilic groups (a carboxylate group, sulfonategroup and the like). Specific examples of suitable alkyl groups include,but are not limited to, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-butylgroup, an isopropyl group, a tert-butyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, amethoxyethyl group, a cyanoethyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a3-sulfopropyl group, a 4-sulfobutyl group and the like.

Suitable aryl groups may have from 6 to 12 carbon atoms excluding thosein the substituent. Examples of substituents include, but are notlimited to, alkyl groups (a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropylgroup, a tert-butyl group, an n-octyl group and the like), alkoxy groups(refer to above-described examples), halogen atoms (refer toabove-described examples), alkylamino groups (a methylamino group, adimethylamino group and the like), an amido group, a carbamoyl group, asulfamoyl group, a sulfoamido group, a hydroxyl group, ester groups (amethoxycarbonyl group, an ethoxycarbonyl group and the like), and ionichydrophilic groups (refer to the above-described examples). Specificexamples of substitutable aryl groups include, but are not limited to, aphenyl group, a naphthyl group, a p-tolyl group, a p-octylphenyl group,a mesityl group, a p-methoxyphenyl group, an o-chlorophenyl group, am-(3-sulfopropylamino)phenyl group and the like.

Suitable heterocyclic groups include 5-ring or 6-ring heterocyclicgroups. Examples of substituents include, but are not limited to, anamido group, a carbamoyl group, a sulfamoyl group, a sulfoamido group, ahydroxyl group, ester groups (refer to the above-described examples),ionic hydrophilic groups (refer to the above-described examples), andthe like. Specific examples of heterocyclic groups include, but are notlimited to, a 2-pyridyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a 2-thiazolyl group, a2-benzothiazolyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 6-sulfobenzothiazolyl group,a 6-sulfonate benzothiazolyl group and the like.

Suitable substituents for the sulfonyl groups include alkyl groups(refer to the above-described examples), aryl groups (refer to theabove-described examples) and the like. Specific examples ofsubstitutable sulfonyl groups include, but are not limited to, amethylsulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group and the like.

Suitable acyl groups have from 1 to 12 carbon atoms excluding those inthe substituent. Examples of substituents include, but are not limitedto, ionic hydrophilic groups (refer to the above-described examples).Specific examples of the substitutable acyl groups include, but are notlimited to, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, a chloroacetyl group andthe like.

As already described, A₁ and A₂ in the general formula (1) eithersimultaneously represent an optionally substituted carbon atom ordifferently represent an optionally substituted carbon atom or anitrogen atom. When A₁ and A₂ simultaneously represent an optionallysubstituted carbon atom, an excellent performance is obtained. Suitablesubstituents which each combine with any one carbon atom of A₁ and A₂,include alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a carboxyl group,a carbamoyl group, a cyano group and the like.

Further, in the general formula (1), R₄ and R₅ do not simultaneouslyrepresent a hydrogen atom, and also, R₆ and R₇ do not simultaneouslyrepresent a hydrogen atom. Still further, when the number ofsubstituents of the sulfonic acid group or carboxyl group is increased,water-solubility of the dye (1) tends to be improved, and therefore, thenumber of substituents may be adjusted as need arises.

In one aspect, the magenta dye is represented by general formula (1),wherein R₁ represents an alkyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted heterocyclicgroup, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substitutedheterocyclic group or a substituted aryl group, R₅ and R₆ eachindependently represent a substituted heterocyclic group or asubstituted aryl group, R₇ represents a hydrogen atom, A₁ represents asubstituted carbon atom and A₂ represents an optionally substitutedcarbon atom.

In another aspect, the magenta dye is represented by general formula(1), wherein R₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyanogroup, R₃ represents a hydrogen atom or a benzothiazolyl group (forexample, benzothiazol-2-yl group) which may be substituted with asulfonic acid group or an alkali metal salt thereof, R₄ represents ahydrogen atom or a benzothiazolyl group (for example, benzothiazol-2-ylgroup) which may be substituted with a sulfonic acid group or an alkalimetal salt thereof or an alkyl phenyl group (for example, a mesitylgroup) substituted with a sulfonic acid group or an alkali metal saltgroup, R₅ and R₆ each independently represent a mono-alkyl phenyl groupor tri-alkyl phenyl group (for example, p-octylphenyl group or mesitylgroup) which may be substituted with a sulfonic acid group or an alkalimetal salt thereof or a benzothiazolyl group (for example,benzothiazol-2-yl group) which is substituted with a sulfonic acid groupor an alkali metal salt thereof, R₇ represents a hydrogen atom, A₁represents a carbon atom substituted with an alkyl group (for example, amethyl group), and A₂ represents a carbon atom which may be substitutedwith a cyano group.

Specific examples of magenta dyes represented by the general formula (1)include compounds represented by the following chemical formulae (1-A)to (1-E) as described below.

Chemical formula (1-A) is an embodiment of general formula (1) whereinR₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃represents a benzothiazol-2-yl group, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom, R₅and R₆ each represent a p-octylphenyl group, R₇ represents a hydrogenatom, A₁ represents a carbon atom substituted with a methyl group, andA₂ represents a carbon atom substituted with a cyano group.

Chemical formula (1-B) is an embodiment of general formula (1) whereinR₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃ and R₄each represent a benzothiazol-2-yl group, R₅ and R₆ each represent amesityl group, R₇ represents a hydrogen atom, A₁ represents a carbonatom substituted with a methyl group, and A₂ represents a carbon atom.

Chemical formula (1-C) is an embodiment of general formula (1), whereinR₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃ and R₄each represent a 6-sulfosodium salt-benzothiazol-2-yl group, R₅ and R₆each represent a 3-sulfosodium salt-mesityl group, R₇ represents ahydrogen atom, A₁ represents a carbon atom substituted with a methylgroup, and A₂ represents a carbon atom.

Chemical formula (1-D) is an embodiment of general formula (1), whereinR₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃ and R₄each represent a hydrogen atom, R₅ and R₆ each represent a mesitylgroup, R₇ represents a hydrogen atom, A₁ represents a carbon atomsubstituted with a methyl group, and A₂ represents a carbon atom.

Chemical formula (1-E) is an embodiment of general formula (1) whereinR₁ represents a tert-butyl group, R₂ represents a cyano group, R₃ and R₄each represent a 6-sulfopotassium salt-benzothiazol-2-yl group, R₅ andR₆ each represent a 3-sulfopotassium salt-mesityl group, R₇ represents ahydrogen atom, A₁ represents a carbon atom substituted with a methylgroup, and A₂ represents a carbon atom.

Next, substituents R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁, Pc(Cu), as well as k, l, m and nin the cyan dyes represented by general formula (2) are described indetail.

As described above, Pc(Cu) represents a copper phthalocyanine nucleusrepresented by general formula (3). R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ eachindependently represent a substituent selected from among —SO₂—R_(a),—SO₂NR_(b)R_(c) and —CO₂—R_(a), where R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ do notsimultaneously represent the same substituent. However, at least one ofR₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ contains an ionic hydrophilic group as asubstituent. At least one of R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is present in each offour benzene rings A, B, C and D of the copper phthalocyanine nucleusrepresented by the general formula (3). R_(a) represents a substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl group; R_(b) represents a hydrogen atom, or asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and R_(c) represents asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group. k represents a number whichsatisfies an inequality of 0<k<8; 1 represents a number which satisfiesan inequality of 0<l<8; m represents a number which satisfies aninequality of 0≦m<8; and n represents a number which satisfies aninequality of 0≦n<8, where k, l, m and n each independently represent anumber which satisfies an inequality of 4≦k+l+m+n≦8.

In the general formula (2), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups ofR_(a), R_(b) or R_(c) include straight-chain alkyl groups,branched-chain alkyl groups and alicyclic alkyl groups each having from1 to 12 carbon atoms. Branched-chain alkyl groups are suitable forenhancing solubility of the dye and stability of the ink, such as groupshaving asymmetric carbon (used in racemic form).

Examples of substituents in the substituted alkyl groups represented byR_(a), R_(b) or R_(c) include, but are not limited to, straight-chain orbranched-chain alkyl groups each having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms,straight-chain or branched-chain aralkyl groups each having from 7 to 18carbon atoms, straight-chain or branched-chain alkenyl groups eachhaving from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, straight-chain or branched-chainalkynyl groups each having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, straight-chain orbranched-chain cycloalkyl groups each having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms,and straight-chain or branched-chain cycloalkenyl groups each havingfrom 3 to 12 carbon atoms (though, in the foregoing groups, those havinga branched chain are suitable for enhancing the solubility of the dyeand stability of the ink, such as those having an asymmetric carbon,such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropylgroup, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, a 2-ethylhexyl group, a2-methylsulfonylethyl group, a 3-phenoxypropyl group, a trifluoromethylgroup, and a cyclopentyl group), halogen atoms (for example, a chlorineatom and a bromine atom), aryl groups (for example, a phenyl group, a4-tert-butylphenyl group and a 2,4-di-tert-amylphenyl group),heterocyclic groups (for example, an imidazolyl group, a pyrazolylgroup, a triazolyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a2-pyrimidinyl group and a 2-benzothiazolyl group), a cyano group, ahydroxyl group, a nitro group, a carboxy group, an amino group, alkyloxygroups (for example, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a 2-methoxyethoxygroup and a 2-methanesulfonylethoxy group), aryloxy groups (for example,a phenoxy group, a 2-methylphenoxy group, a 4-tert-butylphenoxy group, a3-nitrophenoxy group, a 3-tert-butyloxycarbamoylphenoxy group and a3-methoxycarbamoyl group), acylamino groups (for example, an acetamidogroup, a benzamido group and a4-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)butanamido group), alkylamino groups(for example, a methylamino group, a butylamino group, a diethylaminogroup and a methylbutylamino group), anilino groups (for example, aphenylamino group and a 2-chloroanilino group), ureido groups (forexample, a phenylureido group, a methylureido group and anN,N-dibutylureido group), sulfamoylamino groups (for example, anN,N-dipropylsulfamoylamino group), alkylthio groups (for example, amethylthio group, an octylthio group and a 2-phenoxyethylthio group),arylthio groups (for example, a phenylthio group, a2-butoxy-5-tert-octylphenylthio group and a 2-carboxyphenylthio group),alkyloxycarbonylamino groups (for example, a methoxycarbonylaminogroup), sulfonamido groups (for example, a methanesulfonamido group, abenzenesulfonamido group and a p-toluenesulfonamido group), carbamoylgroups (for example, an N-ethylcarbamoyl group and anN,N-dibutylcarbamoyl group), sulfamoyl groups (for example, anN-ethylsulfamoyl group, an N,N-dipropylsulfamoyl group, and anN-phenylsulfamoyl group), sulfonyl groups (for example, amethanesulfonyl group, an octanesulfonyl group, a benzenesulfonyl groupand a toluenesulfonyl group), alkyloxycarbonyl groups (for example, amethoxycarbonyl group and a butyloxycarbonyl group), heterocyclic oxygroups (for example, a 1-phenyltetrazol-5-oxy group and a2-tetrahydropyranyloxy group), azo groups (for example, a phenylazogroup, a 4-methoxyphenylazo group, a 4-pivaloylaminophenylazo group anda 2-hydroxy-4-propanoylphenylazo group), acyloxy groups (for example, anacetoxy group), carbamoyloxy groups (for example, anN-methylcarbamoyloxy group and an N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group), silyloxygroups (for example, a trimethylsilyloxy group and adibutylmethylsilyloxy group), aryloxycarbonylamino groups (for example,a phenoxycarbonylamino group), imido groups (for example, anN-succinimido group and an N-phthalimido group), heterocyclic thiogroups (for example, a 2-benzothiazolylthio group, a2,4-di-phenoxy-1,3,5-triazole-6-thio group and a 2-pyridylthio group),sulfinyl groups (for example, a 3-phenoxypropylsulfinyl group),phosphonyl groups (for example, a phenoxyphosphonyl group, anoctyloxyphosphonyl group and a phenylphosphonyl group), aryloxycarbonylgroups (for example, a phenoxycarbonyl group), acyl groups (for example,an acetyl group, a 3-phenylpropanoyl group and a benzoyl group), andionic hydrophilic groups (for example, a carboxyl group, a sulfo group,a phosphono group and a quaternary ammonium group). Among thesesubstituents, a hydroxyl group, a group having an ether bond or esterbond, a cyano group and a sulfonamido group enhance an associatingproperty and fastness of dyes. In addition to the above, the substituentof the substituted alkyl groups R_(a), R_(b) and R_(c) may have ahalogen atom or an ionic hydrophilic group.

Specific examples of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groupsrepresented by R_(a), R_(b) or R_(c) include, but are not limited to, amethyl group, an ethyl group, an n-butyl group, an isopropyl group, atert-butyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, a methoxyethyl group, acyanoethyl group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 3-sulfopropyl group, a4-sulfobutyl group and the like.

In one aspect, the cyan dye is represented by general formula (2),wherein R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ are substituents represented by —SO₂—R_(a),wherein R_(a) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, providedthat not all of the four substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups R_(a)in R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ are identical. Here, “not all of the four groupsR_(a) being identical” means that, provided that at least one of thefour groups R_(a) is a substituted alkyl group having an ionichydrophilic group, at least two types of R_(a) are present.

In one aspect, the cyan dye is represented by general formula (2)wherein k is the number which satisfies an inequality of 0<k<4; 1 is thenumber which satisfies an inequality of 0<l<4; m is the number whichsatisfies an inequality of 0≦m<4; and n is the number which satisfies aninequality of 0≦n<4, where k, l, m and n are numbers which each satisfyan equation of k+l+m+n=4.

Specific examples of the cyan dyes represented by the general formula(2) include compounds represented by the chemical formulae (2-A) to(2-E) as described below.

Chemical formula (2-A) is an embodiment of general formula (2) whereinR₈ represents a lithium-sulfonatopropylsulfonyl group; R₉ represents anN-(2-hydroxypropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; k represents 3; lrepresents 1; and m and n each represent 0.

Chemical formula (2-B) is an embodiment of general formula (2) whereinR₈ represents a lithium-sulfonatopropylsulfonyl group; R₉ represents anN-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; k represents 3; lrepresents 1; and m and n each represent 0.

Chemical formula (2-C) is an embodiment of general formula (2) whereinR₈ represents a lithium-sulfonatopropylsulfonyl group; R₉ represents anN,N-(di(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; k represents 3; lrepresents 1; and m and n each represent 0.

Chemical formula (2-D) is an embodiment of general formula (2) whereinR₈ represents a lithium-sulfonatopropylsulfonyl group; R₉ represents anN-(2-hydroxypropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; R₁₀ represents anN-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; k represents 2; lrepresents 1; m represents 1; and n represents 0.

Chemical formula (2-E) is an embodiment of general formula (2) whereinR₈ represents a lithium-sulfonatopropylsulfonyl group; R₉ represents alithium-carboxylatopropylsulfonyl group; R₁₀ represents anN-(2-hydroxypropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; R₁₁ represents anN-(2-hydroxyisopropyl)sulfamoylpropylsulfonyl group; k, l, m, and n eachrepresent 1.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, water and water-solubleorganic solvents are contained in each ink for an ink set for ink-jetrecording.

Deionized water is suitable. The amount of water is selected in a widerange depending on a type or composition of a water-soluble organicsolvent to be simultaneously used or desired characteristics of the ink.When the amount of water is unduly small, a viscosity of the ink isincreased, and then it may become difficult to eject the ink from anink-jet head, while when the amount is unduly large, a coloring agenttends to be deposited by moisture evaporation, and then the nozzlebecomes easily clogged. The amount of water is usually in the range fromabout 10 wt % to about 95 wt % based on the total weight of the ink, andoften from about 10 wt % to about 80 wt % based on the total weight ofthe ink.

Water-soluble organic solvents to be used in each ink of the water-basedink set for ink-jet recording are principally classified into humectantsand penetrants. The water-soluble organic solvent to be used as ahumectant is added to the ink for the purpose of preventing clogging ofthe nozzle of the ink-jet head, while the water-soluble organic solventto be used as a penetrating agent is added to the ink for the purpose ofallowing the ink to quickly penetrate into the inside of the objectiverecording material when print is made.

Specific examples of humectants include, but are not limited to,water-soluble glycols such as glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol,dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol,1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol and the like. When an amount of thewater-soluble organic solvent as the humectant is unduly small, it isinsufficient to prevent the nozzle of the ink-jet head from beingclogged, while when the amount is unduly large, the viscosity of the inkis increased, and then it becomes difficult to smoothly eject the inkfrom the nozzle. The amount of water-soluble organic solvent is usuallyin the range from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % based on total weight ofthe ink, and often from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt % based on thetotal weight of the ink.

Specific examples of suitable penetrants include glycol ethersexemplified by alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol type and propylene glycoltype. Specific examples of the alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol typeinclude, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethyleneglycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycoln-butyl ether, ethylene glycol isobutyl ether, diethylene glycol methylether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol n-propyl ether,diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol isobutyl ether,triethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether,triethylene glycol n-propyl ether, triethylene glycol n-butyl ether,triethylene glycol isobutyl ether and the like. Specific examples ofalkyl ethers of propylene glycol type include, but are not limited to,propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propyleneglycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycoln-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycolmethyl ether, tripropylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycoln-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether and the like. When anamount of the penetrant is unduly small, penetrability becomesinsufficient, while when the amount is unduly large, the penetrabilitybecomes superfluous, and then blurring such as feathering and the liketends to occur. The amount of penetrant is usually in the range fromabout 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % based on total weight of the ink, andoften from about 0.5 wt % to about 7 wt % based on the total weight ofthe ink.

Besides the humectant and the penetrant, for other purposes such aspreventing the ink from being dried at a tip end portion of the ink-jethead, enhancing density of print, and realizing bright color developmentthan the purposes described above, other water-soluble organic solventsthan those described above may also be added thereto. Specific examplesof these water-soluble organic solvents include lower alcohols such asmethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol,n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol and the like;amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide and the like;ketones or keto-alcohols such as acetone, diacetone alcohol and thelike; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like; glycerin;pyrrolidones such as 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like;1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone; and the like.

Although a basic composition of each of the yellow ink, the magenta inkand the cyan ink configuring the water-based ink set for ink-jetrecording according to aspect of the invention is as described below,known additives in related art such as a surfactant; a viscositymodifier such as polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and the like; a surfacetension modifier; a mildew proofing agent; a rust preventing agent maybe added, as need arises.

The ink of each color is prepared by uniformly mixing a coloring agent,water and a water-soluble organic solvent, and optionally various typesof other additives of each color of yellow, magenta and cyan inaccordance with a suitable method. And then the ink set for ink-jetrecording according to aspects of the invention can be produced byappropriately combining the thus-prepared inks of different colors.Further, any one of other dyes and pigments than those described abovemay be employed in the ink of each color within a range in which theaspects of the invention is not impaired. For example, a direct dye, anacid dye, a basic dye, and a reactive dye may be used. Further, when thedyes are classified in accordance with the structure thereof, an azodye, a metal complex dye, a naphthol dye, an anthraquinone dye, anindigo dye, a carbonium dye, a quinoneimine dye, a xanthene dye, ananiline dye, a quinoline dye, a nitro dye, a nitroso dye, a benzoquinonedye, a naphthoquinone dye, a phthalocyanine dye, a metal phthalocyaninedye or the like may be used thereto.

Illustrative embodiments of the yellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyanink appropriate for the ink set for ink-jet recording according toaspects of the invention will be illustrated below. These inks ofrespective colors are also within the scope of the invention. Componentsof these inks are equivalent to those described in the ink set forink-jet recording according to aspects of the invention.

(Yellow Ink)

An illustrative yellow ink for ink-jet recording contains a yellowcoloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. The yellowcoloring agent may contain C. I. Direct Yellow 132 in an amount of atleast about 70 wt % based on total weight of the yellow coloring agent.The total amount of the yellow coloring agent is in the range from about1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on total weight of the yellow ink. Thevalue of hue angle change (Δh), between before and after lightfastnesstests, of the print region corresponding to the yellow ink formed onglossy paper is not more than about 3°.

(Magenta Ink)

An illustrative magenta ink for ink-jet recording contains a magentacoloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. The magentacoloring agent may contain a magenta dye represented by the generalformula (1) in an amount of at least about 70 wt % based on the totalweight of the magenta coloring agent The total amount of the magentacoloring agent is in the range from about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % basedon the total weight of the magenta ink. The value of hue angle change(Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests, of the print regionformed on glossy paper corresponding to the magenta ink is not more thanabout 2°.

(Cyan Ink)

An illustrative cyan ink for ink-jet recording contains a cyan coloringagent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent. The cyan coloringagent may contain a cyan dye represented by the general formula (2) inan amount of at least about 70 wt % based on the total weight of thecyan coloring agent. The total amount of the cyan coloring agent is inthe range from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the total weight ofthe cyan ink. The value of hue angle change (Δh), between before andafter lightfastness tests, of the print region formed on glossy papercorresponding to the cyan ink is not more than about 6°.

Aspects of the invention include a method for forming an image byapplying ink droplets on glossy paper by an ink-jet recording system.When forming print regions corresponding to respective inks on glossypaper by using the yellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink, thevalues of hue angle change (Δh), between before and after thelightfastness tests, of the print regions are not more than about 3° foryellow ink, not more than about 2° for magenta ink and not more thanabout 6° for cyan ink. According to this image forming method, an imagewith a natural tone and an image with a flesh color which each have asmall change between before and after the lightfastness tests, even whenobserved with human eyes, each show that excellent long-term storagestability may be formed on glossy paper. The value of hue angle change(Δh), between before and after the lightfastness tests, of print regionin flesh color is typically not more than about 10° when the printregion in flesh color is formed on glossy paper by using the yellow ink,the magenta ink and the cyan ink.

Further, in the image forming method, the ink is generally applied onthe glossary paper such that the total amount of the ink applied is inthe range from about 1 μg/in² to about 30 μg/in² in terms of 100% duty.When the total amount of the ink applied is less than theabove-described range, there is insufficient color development, whereaswhen the amount is more than the above-described range, there areproblems fixing the ink. The term “duty” used herein means a ratio ofactual print area against print region area of recording medium, namely,a ratio of the number of actual print dots against the number of totaldots filling the print region; therefore, 100% duty means the maximumamount of the ink applied to the print region.

EXAMPLES 1 TO 7 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 1 TO 4

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail withreference to embodiments of the ink set for ink-jet recording accordingto aspects of the invention; however, these embodiments are illustrativeand should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way.

1) Preparation of Ink

<Yellow Inks Y-1 to Y-7>

By uniformly mixing ink components shown in Table 1, yellow inks Y-1 toY-7 for ink-jet recording were prepared. The yellow inks Y-1 to Y-6 areyellow inks according to aspects of the invention, and the yellow inkY-7 is a yellow ink in the Comparative Example.

<Magenta Inks M-1 to M-7>

By uniformly mixing ink components shown in Table 2, magenta inks M-1 toM-7 for ink-jet recording were prepared. Further, dyes (1-A) to (1-E)correspond to compounds represented by the chemical formulae (1-A) to(1-E), respectively. The magenta inks M-1 to M-6 are magenta inksaccording to aspects of the invention, and the magenta ink M-7 is amagenta ink in the Comparative Example.

<Cyan Inks C-1 to C-7>

By uniformly mixing ink components shown in Table 3, cyan inks C—I toC-7 for ink-jet recording were prepared. Further, dyes (2-A) to (2-E)correspond to compounds represented by the chemical formulae (2-A) to(2-E), respectively. The cyan inks C-1 to C-6 are cyan inks according toaspects, of the invention, and the cyan ink C-7 is a cyan ink in theComparative Example.

2) Evaluation of Ink

Inks for ink-jet recording were filled in desired ink cartridges, andthen the resultant ink cartridges were attached to a digitalmultifunction device equipped with an ink-jet printer DCP-110C(available from Brother Industries, Ltd.). Subsequently, the resultantdigital multifunction device printed monotone gradation samples of theyellow color, the magenta color and the cyan color on glossy paper. Theglossy paper employed was KASSAI® Fuji Film glossy paper of high quality(available from Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.).

The thus-obtained monotone gradation sample of each color was subjectedto lightfastness test. The lightfastness test was performed by using ahigh-energy xenon weather-meter SC750-WN (manufactured by Suga TestInstruments Co., Ltd.) such that light radiated from a xenon lamp isirradiated on each gradation sample for 100 hours at a room temperatureof 25° C., a humidity of 50% RH with an irradiation intensity of 93klux. Hereinafter, lightfastness evaluations on the yellow ink, themagenta ink and the cyan ink are described in detail.

(a) Visual Evaluation

The gradation sample subjected to the lightfastness test was visuallyevaluated in accordance with evaluation criteria described below as towhether each color of yellow, magenta and cyan is sufficientlyexpressed. The obtained evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

A: each color is sufficiently expressed.

C: expression of each color is insufficient.

(b) Evaluation of Value of Hue Angle Change (Δh)

In regard to patches each having an OD value of 1.0 before thelightfastness test among the gradation samples of colors of yellow,magenta and cyan, the hue angle (h_(b)) before the lightfastness testand the hue angle (h_(a)) after the lightfastness test were measured.Firstly, L*, a* and b* were measured by using Spectrolino (manufacturedby Gretag Macbeth; light source: D₆₅; field of view: 2°; status: A), andthen the hue angle (h) was computed from these measurements inaccordance with the equation (2). Thereafter, in accordance with theequation (3) to be described below, values of hue angle change (Δh_(y),Δh_(m) and Δh_(c)), between before and after the tests, of the patcheseach having an OD value of 1.0 were obtained and the resultantmeasurements were evaluated in accordance with evaluation criteriadescribed below. The obtained results are shown in Tables 1 to 3. Onthis occasion, Δh_(y) expresses a value of hue angle change of yellow;Δh_(m) expresses a value of hue angle change of magenta; and Δh_(c)expresses a value of hue angle change of cyan.

Value of hue angle change (Δh_(y), Δh_(m) or Δh_(c))=|hue angle (h_(a))after the test−hue angle (h_(b)) before the test|  Equation (3):

In regard to yellow:

A: value of hue angle change (Δh_(y)) is not more than 2°.

B: value of hue angle change (Δh_(y)) is more than 2° and not more than3°.

C: value of hue angle change (Δh_(y)) is more than 3°.

In regard to magenta:

A: value of hue angle change (Δh_(m)) is not more than 1°.

B: value of hue angle change (Δh_(m)) is more than 1° and not more than2°.

C: value of hue angle change (Δh_(m)) is more than 2°.

In regard to cyan:

A: value of hue angle change (Δh_(c)) is not more than 4°.

B: value of hue angle change (Δh_(c)) is more than 4° and not more than6°.

C: value of hue angle change (Δh_(c)) is more than 6°.

TABLE 1 Yellow ink Y-1 Y-2 Y-3 Y-4 Y-5 Y-6 Y-7 Ink composition Dye (a)C.I. Direct Yellow 132 3.0 2.55 2.1 1.8 1.7 3.4 — (wt %) Dye (b) C.I.Direct Yellow 142 — 0.45 0.9 1.2 0.3 0.6 3.0 Glycerin 27.0 27.0 27.027.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 Dipropylene glycol-n-propyl ether 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.02.0 2.0 2.0 Water Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance BalanceBalance Ink Ratio by weight of dye (dye (a):dye (b)) — 85:15 70:30 60:4085:15 85:15 — Total amount of dye in ink (wt %) 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 4.03.0 Evaluation Visual A A A A A A C Hue Before lightfastness 100 101 102102 101 101 105 angle test (h_(b)) [°] After lightfastness test 100 103104 105 103 103 110 (h_(a)) [°] Value of hue [°] 0 2 2 3 2 2 5 anglechange Rank A A A B A A C (Δh_(y))

TABLE 2 Magenta ink M-1 M-2 M-3 M-4 M-5 M-6 M-7 Ink composition Dye (1)Dye (1-A) 3.0 — — — — — — (wt %) Dye (1-B) — — — — 1.7 — — Dye (1-C) —2.55 — — — — — Dye (1-D) — — — 1.8 — — — Dye (1-E) — — 2.1 — — 3.4 — Dye(c) C.I. Acid Red 52 — 0.45 0.9 1.2 0.3 0.6 1.5 C.I. Direct Red 289 — —— — — — 1.5 Glycerin 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 Dipropyleneglycol-n-propyl ether 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Water Balance BalanceBalance Balance Balance Balance Balance Ink Ratio by weight of dye (dye(1):dye (c)) — 85:15 70:30 60:40 85:15 85:15 — Total amount of dye inink (wt %) 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 4.0 3.0 Evaluation Visual A A A A A A CHue angle Before lightfastness 347 346 346 346 347 348 328 test (h_(b))[°] After lightfastness 348 347 347 348 348 349 338 test (h_(a)) [°]Value of hue [°] 1 1 1 2 1 1 10 angle change Rank A A A B A A C (Δh_(m))

TABLE 3 Cyan ink C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 Ink composition Dye (2) Dye(2-A) — 3.4 — — — 4.25 — (wt %) Dye (2-B) — — 2.8 — — — — Dye (2-C) 4.0— — — — — — Dye (2-D) — — — — 2.55 — — Dye (2-E) — — — 2.4 — — — Dye (d)C.I. Direct Blue 199 — 0.6 1.2 1.6 0.45 0.75 4.0 Glycerin 27.0 27.0 27.027.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 Dipropylene glycol-n-propyl ether 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.02.0 2.0 2.0 Water Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance BalanceBalance Ink Ratio by weight of Dye (dye (2):dye (d)) — 85:15 70:30 60:4085:15 85:15 — Total amount of dye in ink (wt %) 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 5.04.0 Evaluation Visual A A A A A A C Hue angle Before lightfastness 237236 236 236 236 236 236 test (h_(b)) [°] After Lightfastness 233 232 232231 232 232 227 test (h_(a)) [°] Value of hue [°] 4 4 4 5 4 4 9 anglechange Rank A A A B A A C (Δh_(c))

As is found from Table 1, yellow inks for ink-jet recording (Y-1) to(Y-6) each contain a yellow coloring agent, water and a water-solubleorganic solvent, and contain C. I. Direct Yellow 132 as the yellowcoloring agent; an total amount of the yellow coloring agent is in therange from 1 to 4 wt %; and a value of hue angle change (Δh_(y)),between before and after the lightfastness tests, of print regioncorresponding to the yellow ink formed on glossy paper is not more than3°. The change of yellow color was not visually recognized. The yellowinks (Y-1) to (Y-3), (Y-5) and (Y-6), which each contain C. I. DirectYellow 132 in an amount of at least 70 wt % based on the total weight ofthe yellow coloring agent, each had a small value of hue angle change(Δh_(y)) compared with the yellow ink (Y-4) and were favorable andexcellent. On the other hand, in the yellow ink for ink-jet recording(Y-7), since the value of hue angle change (Δh_(y)) was 5° betweenbefore and after the lightfastness tests, the yellow color was changedto such an extent as was able to be visually recognized.

As is found from Table 2, magenta inks for ink-jet recording (M−1) to(M-6) each contain a magenta coloring agent, water and a water-solubleorganic solvent, and contain a magenta dye represented by the generalformula (1) as the magenta coloring agent; an total amount of themagenta coloring agent is in the range from 1 to 4 wt %; and a value ofhue angle change (Δh_(m)), between before and after the lightfastnesstests, of print region corresponding to the magenta ink formed on glossypaper is not more than 2°. The change of magenta color was not visuallyrecognized. The magenta inks (M−1) to (M-3), (M-5) and (M-6), which eachcontain the magenta dye represented by the general formula (1) in anamount of at least 70 wt % based on the total weight of the magentacoloring agent, each had a small value of hue angle change (Δh_(m))compared with the magenta ink (M-4) and were favorable. On the otherhand, in the magenta ink for ink-jet recording (M-7), since the value ofhue angle change (Δh_(m)) was 10° between before and after thelightfastness tests, the magenta color was changed to such an extent aswas able to be visually recognized.

As is found from Table 3, cyan inks for ink-jet recording (C-1) to (C-6)each contain a cyan coloring agent, water and a water-soluble organicsolvent, and contain a cyan dye represented by the general formula (2)as the cyan coloring agent; the total amount of, the cyan coloring agentis in the range from 1 to 5 wt %; and a value of hue angle change(Δh_(c)), between before and after the lightfastness tests, of printregion corresponding to the cyan ink formed on glossy paper is not morethan 6°. The change of cyan color was not visually recognized. The cyaninks (C-1) to (C-3), (C-5) and (C-6), which each contain the cyan dyerepresented by the general formula (2) in an amount of at least 70 wt %based on the total weight of the cyan coloring agent, each had a smallvalue of hue angle change (Δh_(c)) compared with the cyan ink (C-4) andwere favorable. On the other hand, in the cyan ink for ink-jet recording(C-7), since the value of hue angle change (Δh_(c)) was 9° betweenbefore and after the lightfastness tests, the cyan color was changed tosuch an extent as was able to be visually recognized.

3) Configuration of Ink Set

As is shown in Tables 4 and 5, the yellow ink, the magenta ink and thecyan ink are combined with one another, to thereby configure the ink setfor ink-jet recording according to aspects of the invention.

4) Evaluation of Ink Set

Inks for ink-jet recording were filled in desired ink cartridges, andthen the resultant ink cartridges were attached to a digitalmultifunction device equipped with an ink-jet printer DCP-110C(available from Brother Industries, Ltd.). Subsequently, the resultantdigital multifunction device printed JIS SCID No. 2 as a natural imagesample and a flesh-color solid-print image sample as a flesh-color imagesample on glossy paper. The flesh color used in the evaluation test wasin the range of 45≦L*≦55, 15≦C*≦25, and 15≦h*≦30. Further, the glossypaper employed was KASSAI® Fuji Film glossy paper of high quality(available from Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.).

The thus-obtained natural image sample and the flesh-color image samplewere subjected to a lightfastness test. The lightfastness test wasperformed by using a high-energy xenon weather-meter SC750-WN(manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.) such that lightradiated from a xenon lamp is irradiated on each sample for 100 hours ata room temperature of 25° C., a humidity of 50% RH with an irradiationintensity of 93 klux.

Hereinafter, lightfastness evaluations of the ink sets for ink-jetrecording are described in detail.

(c) Visual Evaluation of Natural Image Sample

The natural image sample subjected to the lightfastness test wasvisually evaluated in accordance with evaluation criteria describedbelow. The obtained evaluation results are shown in Tables 4 and 5.

A: it was not recognized that the image color has been changed.

C: it was recognized that the image color has been changed.

(d) Visual Evaluation of Flesh-Color Image Sample

The flesh-color image sample subjected to the lightfastness test wasvisually evaluated in accordance with evaluation criteria describedbelow. The obtained evaluation results are shown in Tables 4 and 5.

A: it was not recognized that the image color has been changed.

C: it was recognized that the image color has been changed.

(e) Value of Hue Angle Change of Flesh-Color Image Sample

In regard to the flesh-color image sample of each ink set for ink-jetrecording, 5 points each of the hue angle (h_(b)) before thelightfastness test and the hue angle (h_(a)) after the lightfastnesstest were measured. By using an average number of each of these 5-pointmeasurements of the hue angles (h_(b)) and the hue angles (h_(a)), avalue of hue angle change (Δh_(f)) between before and after the testswas obtained in accordance with the equation (4) to be described belowand the resultant values were evaluated in accordance with evaluationcriteria as described below. The obtained results are shown in Tables 4and 5. Firstly, L*, a* and b* were measured by using Spectrolino(manufactured by Gretag Macbeth; light source: D₆₅; field of view: 2°;status: A), and then the hue angle (h) was computed from thesemeasurements in accordance with the equation (2).

Value of hue angle change (Δh _(f))=|hue angle (h _(a)) after thetest−hue angle (h _(b)) before the test|  Equation (4):

A: value of hue angle change (Δh_(f)) is not more than 7°.

B: value of hue angle change (Δh_(f)) is more than 7° and not more than10°.

C: value of hue angle change (Δh_(f)) is more than 100.

(f) Overall Evaluation

In regard to each ink set for ink-jet recording, from the obtainedresults of (c) visual evaluation of natural image sample, (d) visualevaluation of flesh-color image sample and (e) value of hue angle changeof flesh-color image sample, an overall evaluation was performed inaccordance with the criteria as described below. The obtained resultsare shown in Tables 4 and 5.

G: all of evaluation results were ranked as A or B. NG: at least one ofevaluation results was ranked as C.

TABLE 4 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Ink set configurationY-1 M-1 C-1 Y-2 M-2 C-2 Y-3 M-3 C-3 Y-4 M-4 C-4 (yellow ink, magentaink, cyan ink) Ink Each color Value of hue angle 0 1 4 2 1 4 2 1 4 3 2 5patch change (Δh_(y), Δh_(m), Δh_(c)) Ink Natural Visual evaluation A AA A set image sample Flesh- Visual evaluation A A A A color Hue anglebefore 52 51 49 50 image lightfastness test (h_(b)) sample Hue angleafter 46 44 42 41 lightfastness test (h_(a)) Value of [°]  6  7  7  9hue angle Rank A A A B change (Δh_(f)) Overall evaluation G G G GExample 5 Example 6 Example 7 Ink set configuration Y-5 M-5 C-5 Y-6 M-6C-6 Y-1 M-2 C-3 (yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink) Ink Each color Valueof hue angle 2 1 4 2 1 4 0 1 4 patch change (Δh_(y), Δh_(m), Δh_(c)) InkNatural Visual evaluation A A A set image sample Flesh- Visualevaluation A A A color Hue angle before 51 48 50 image lightfastnesstest (h_(b)) sample Hue angle after 44 41 45 lightfastness test (h_(a))Value of [°]  7  7  5 hue angle Rank A A A change (Δh_(f)) Overallevaluation G G G

TABLE 5 Comparative Comparative Comparative Comparative Example 1Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Ink set configuration Y-7 M-7 C-7 Y-7 M-1C-1 Y-1 M-7 C-1 Y-1 M-1 C-7 (yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink) Ink Eachcolor Value of hue angle 5 10 9 5 1 4 0 10 4 0 1 9 patch change (Δh_(y),Δh_(m), Δh_(c)) Ink Natural Visual evaluation C C C C set image sampleFlesh- Visual evaluation C C C B color Hue angle before 48 52 50 49image lightfastness test (h_(b)) sample Hue angle after 65 40 69 43lightfastness test (h_(a)) Value of [°] 17 12 19  6 hue angle Rank C C CA change (Δh_(f)) Overall evaluation NG NG NG NG

As is found from Table 4, in a case of ink sets of Examples 1 to 7, inregard to the natural image sample and the flesh-color image sample, itwas not recognized that colors of the images have been changed betweenbefore and after the lightfastness tests. Further, the value of hueangle change (Δh_(f)) of the flesh color was 6° in a case of the ink setin Example 1, 7° in a case of ink sets of Examples 2, 3, 5 and 6, 9° ina case of the ink set of Example 4, and 5° in a case of the ink set ofExample 7. They were all favorable and the overall evaluations were alsofavorable.

On the other hand, as is found from Table 5, in a case of ink sets ofComparative Examples 1 to 4, in regard to the natural image sample andthe flesh-color image sample, it was recognized that colors of theimages have been changed. Further, the value of hue angle change(Δh_(f)) of the flesh color image sample was 6° in a case of the ink setin Comparative Example 4, 17° in a case of the ink set of ComparativeExample 1, 12° in a case of the ink set of Comparative Example 2, and19° in a case of the ink set of Comparative Example 3. Results of thelatter 3 ink sets were not favorable. In the overall evaluations,results of any one of the ink sets in Comparative Examples wereunfavorable.

The invention is not limited to the aspects described in the Examples,which are provided for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparentthat various modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein.

1. An ink set for ink-jet recording, comprising a yellow ink, a magentaink and a cyan ink, wherein values of hue angle change (Δh), betweenbefore and after lightfastness tests, of print regions corresponding torespective inks formed on glossy paper by using the yellow ink, themagenta ink and the cyan ink are not more than about 3° for the yellowink, not more than about 2° for the magenta ink, and not more than about6° for the cyan ink.
 2. The ink set for ink-jet recording according toclaim 1, wherein the yellow ink comprises a yellow coloring agent,water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, and further comprises C. I.Direct Yellow
 132. 3. The ink set for ink-jet recording according toclaim 2, wherein an amount ratio of C. I. Direct Yellow 132 is at leastabout 70 wt % based on the total weight of the yellow coloring agent. 4.The ink set for ink-jet recording according to claim 2, wherein thetotal amount of the yellow coloring agent is in the range from about 1wt % to about 4 wt % based on the total weight of the yellow ink.
 5. Theink set for ink-jet recording according to claim 1, wherein the magentaink comprises a magenta coloring agent, water and a water-solubleorganic solvent, and further comprises a magenta dye represented by thefollowing general formula (1):

wherein R₁ represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup or an optionally substituted aryl group; R₂ represents a hydrogenatom, a halogen atom or a cyano group; R₃ represents a hydrogen atom, anoptionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl groupor an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substitutedheterocyclic group, an optionally substituted sulfonyl group or anoptionally substituted acyl group, where R₄ and R₅ do not simultaneouslyrepresent a hydrogen atom, and R₆ and R₇ do not simultaneously representa hydrogen atom; and A₁ and A₂ either simultaneously represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom, or differently represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom or a nitrogen atom from each other.6. The ink set for ink-jet recording according to claim 5, wherein anamount ratio of the magenta dye represented by the general formula (1)is at least about 70 wt % based on the total weight of the magentacoloring agent.
 7. The ink set for ink-jet recording according to claim5, wherein a total amount of the magenta coloring agent is in the rangefrom about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on the total weight of themagenta ink.
 8. The ink set for ink-jet recording according to claim 1,wherein the cyan ink comprises a cyan coloring agent, water and awater-soluble organic solvent, and further comprises a cyan dyerepresented by the following general formula (2):

wherein Pc(Cu) represents a copper phthalocyanine nucleus represented bythe following general formula (3):

R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁, each independently represent a substituent selectedfrom —SO₂—R_(a), —SO₂NR_(b)R_(c) and —CO₂—R_(a), where R₈, R₉, R₁₀ andR₁₁, do not simultaneously represent a same substituent, at least one ofR₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁, comprises an ionic hydrophilic group as asubstituent, and at least one of R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is present in eachof four benzene rings A, B, C and D of a copper phthalocyanine nucleusrepresented by the general formula (3); R_(a) represents a substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl group; R_(b) represents a hydrogen atom or asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; R_(c) represents a substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl group; k represents a number which satisfies aninequality of 0<k<8; l represents a number which satisfies an inequalityof 0<l<8; m represents a number which satisfies an inequality of 0≦m<8;n represents a number which satisfies an inequality of 0≦n<8, where k,l, m and n each independently represent a number which satisfies aninequality of 4≦k+l+m+n≦8.
 9. The ink set for ink-jet recordingaccording to claim 8, wherein an amount ratio of the cyan dyerepresented by the general formula (2) is at least about 70 wt % basedon the total weight of the cyan coloring agent.
 10. The ink set forink-jet recording according to claim 8, wherein a total amount of thecyan coloring agent is in the range from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %based on the total weight of the cyan ink.
 11. The ink set for ink-jetrecording according to claim 1, further comprising a black ink.
 12. Ayellow ink for ink-jet recording, comprising a yellow coloring agent,water and a water-soluble organic solvent, and further comprising C. I.Direct Yellow 132 in an amount of at least about 70 wt % based on thetotal weight of the yellow coloring agent, wherein a total amount of theyellow coloring agent is in the range from about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %based on the total weight of the yellow ink; and a value of hue anglechange (Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests, of a printregion corresponding to the yellow ink formed on glossy paper is notmore than about 3°.
 13. A magenta ink for ink-jet recording, comprisinga magenta coloring agent, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, andfurther comprising a magenta dye represented by the following generalformula (1) in an amount of at least about 70 wt % based on the totalweight of the magenta coloring agent:

wherein R₁ represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup or an optionally substituted aryl group; R₂ represents a hydrogenatom, a halogen atom or a cyano group; R₃ represents a hydrogen atom, anoptionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted aryl groupor an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R₄, R₅, R₆ and R₇ eachindependently represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkylgroup, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substitutedheterocyclic group, an optionally substituted sulfonyl group or anoptionally substituted acyl group, where R₄ and R₅ do not simultaneouslyrepresent a hydrogen atom, R₆ and R₇ do not simultaneously represent ahydrogen atom; and A₁ and A₂ either simultaneously represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom, or differently represent anoptionally substituted carbon atom or a nitrogen atom from other,wherein the total amount of the magenta coloring agent is in the rangefrom about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % based on the total weight of themagenta ink; and a value of hue angle change (Δh), between before andafter the lightfastness tests, of a print region corresponding to themagenta ink formed on glossary paper is not more than about 2°.
 14. Acyan ink for ink-jet recording, comprising a cyan coloring agent, waterand a water-soluble organic solvent, and further comprising a cyan dyerepresented by the following general formula (2) in an amount of atleast about 70 wt % based on the total weight of the cyan coloringagent:

wherein Pc(Cu) represents a copper phthalocyanine nucleus represented bythe following general formula (3):

R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ each independently represent a substituent selectedfrom among —SO₂—R_(a), —SO₂NR_(b)R_(c) and —CO₂—R_(a), where R₈, R₉, R₁₀and R₁₁ do not simultaneously represent a same substituent, at least oneof R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ comprises an ionic hydrophilic group as asubstituent, and at least one of R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ is present in eachof four benzene rings A, B, C and D of a copper phthalocyanine nucleusrepresented by the general formula (3); R_(a) represents a substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl group; R_(b) represents a hydrogen atom or asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; R_(c) represents a substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl group; k represents a number which satisfies aninequality of 0<k<8; l represents a number which satisfies an inequalityof 0<l<8; m represents a number which satisfies an inequality of 0≦m<8;n represents a number which satisfies an inequality of 0≦n<8, where k,l, m and n each independently represent a number which satisfies aninequality of 4≦k+l+m+n≦8, wherein a total amount of the cyan coloringagent is in the range from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % based on thetotal weight of the cyan ink; and a value of hue angle change (Δh),between before and after the lightfastness tests, of a print regioncorresponding to the cyan ink formed on glossary paper is not more thanabout 6°.
 15. A method for forming an image by applying an ink on glossypaper by using the ink: set for inkjet recording according to claim 1with an ink-jet recording method, wherein, at the time of forming printregions corresponding to respective inks on glossy paper by using theyellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink, values of hue angle change(Δh), between before and after lightfastness tests, of the print regionsare allowed to be not more than about 3° with the yellow ink, not morethan about 2° with the magenta ink and not more than about 6° with thecyan ink.
 16. The method for forming the image according to claim 15,wherein, at the time of forming a print region of flesh color on glossypaper by using the yellow ink, the magenta ink and the cyan ink, a valueof hue angle change (Δh), between before and after the lightfastnesstests, of the print region of the flesh color is not more than about10°.
 17. The method for forming the image according to claim 15, whereinthe ink is applied on the glossy paper such that the total amount of theink to be applied is in the range from about 1 μg/in² to about 30 μg/in²in terms of 100% duty.